OPINION – A tale of two pipelines

Posted in Climate change on September 4, 2014 (updated: February 17, 2015)

Authors

Karen CampbellLawyer

It seems like every time we turn on the radio or open a newspaper somebody is talking about pipeline proposals that would transport bitumen from Alberta’s oilsands to tide water. And while there is no shortage of ecosystem, climate, and health risks associated with these proposals, the review processes themselves are coming to symbolize a blatant disregard for open, transparent, and informed decision-making.

The result? A lose-lose-lose situation for the National Energy Board, Kinder Morgan, and Canadians.

Consider Kinder Morgan’s proposed Trans Mountain expansion. Three months into the review of the project, it is becoming clear that an inadequate regulatory process may well lead to flawed recommendations. In the case of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Joint Review Panel process, groups and individuals granted the right to participate had 112 days to review the company’s application and submit written questions. Further, in Enbridge, there were public hearings in communities all along the pipeline route.